Rev.MVZ Crdoba 19(3):4277-4288, 2014.

ISSN: 0122-0268
ORIGINAL

Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis

and Anaplasma phagocytophilum
ndices de trombocitos en perros infectados con Ehrlichia canis y
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Funda zata, M.Sc, Kerem Ural, Ph.D.
University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Internal Medicine. Isikli, 09016.
Aydin, Turkey. *Corresponding: uralkerem@gmail.com

Received: January 2014; Accepted: July 2014.

ABSTRACT
Objectives. In the present study alterations in trombocyte numbers and trombocyte indices were investigated
in 51 dogs naturally infected with E. canis and/or A. phagocytophilum. Achieved results were compared to
those of 20 healty dogs comprising control group. Materials and methods. Naturally occuring vector borne
diseases were diagnosed by use of a canine point-of-care ELISA kit (Snap 4Dx, Idexx). Dogs were enrolled into
3 groups as follows; II. group involved A. phagocytophilum infected dogs (n=10), III. group (n=13) E. canis+
A. phagocytophilum co-infected, and IV. group (n=28) E. canis infected dogs. Healthy controls (n=20) were
enrolled in group I. Results. Mean PLT counts were significantly decreased in II., III. and IV. groups (159.663.5,
142.344.3, 148.733.5, respectively) in comparison to control group (370.428.6) (p0.01). Mean PCT values in
groups II., III. and IV. (0.15300.590, 0.15310.0441, 0.14500.314, respectively) were significantly decreased
in contrast to control group (0.36950.0283) (p0.01). Between PLT and PCT values, statistically significant
positive correlation (p0.01) (r=0.988, 0.990 and 0.981, respectively) was evident among groups II., III. and
IV. Conclusions. Infected dogs showed significant alterations (p0.01) among mean PLT and PCT values and a
positive correlation was evident between those 2 parameters (p0.01), whereas alterations on mean MPV and
PDWc were not statistically significant. Finally it was suggested that according to the aforimentioned results, PLT
and PCT values may be used as valuable parameters for diagnosis and probably for monitorization and prognosis
in infected dogs with Ehrlichiosis and/or Anaplasmosis.
Key words: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis,indices, thrombocyte (Source: CAB).

RESUMEN
Objetivos. Comparar las alteraciones en el nmero de trombocitos y en los ndices de trombocitos en perros
infectados naturalmente con E. canis y A. phagocytophilum. Materiales y mtodos. Los perros fueron
distribuidos en cuatro grupos: Grupo I; perros sanos (n=20), Grupo II; perros infectados con A. phagocytophilum
(n=10), Grupo III; perros infectados con E. canis + A. phagocytophilum (n=13) y grupo IV; perros infectados
con E. Canis (n=28). Resultados. Los recuentos de PLT se redujeron significativamente (p0.01) en los grupos
II, III y IV (159.663.5, 142.344.3, 148.733.5, respectivamente) en comparacin con el grupo control
(370.428.6). La media de los valores de PCT en los grupos II, III y IV fue de 0.15300.590, 0.15310.0441
y 0.14500.314 respectivamente, cuyas reducciones fueron significativas (p0.01) en contraste con el grupo
control (0.36950.0283). Entre los valores de PLT y el PCT la correlacin fue positiva (r =0.988) y significativa
(p0.01), 0.990 y 0.981, respectivamente, entre los grupos II, III y IV. Conclusiones. Los perros infectados
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REVISTA MVZ CRDOBA Volumen 19(3) Septiembre - Diciembre 2014

mostraron alteraciones significativas (p0.01) entre PLT y los valores del PCT, as como una correlacin positiva
entre esos dos parmetros (p0.01), mientras que las alteraciones de MPV y PDWc no fueron significativas.
Se sugiere que de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, los valores de PLT y el PCT se pueden utilizar como
parmetros valiosos para el diagnstico y probablemente, para el monitoreo y el pronstico en perros infectados
con la Ehrlichiosis o la Anaplasmosis.

Palabras clave: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, indices, trombocitos (Fuente: CAB).

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCCIN

The Ehrlichial organismsEhrlichia canis (E.

canis) andAnaplasma phagocytophilum(A.
phagocytophilum) are both tick-borne obligate
intracellular pathogens, presenting a tropism
for leukocytes (1). Infection with the latter
pathogens is characterized by thrombocytopenia,
fever, depression, anorexia, and other relevant
signs. Dogs are involved host range ofE. canis
and A. phagocytophilum (1).

Los organismos de Ehrlichia canis (E. canis)

yAnaplasma phagocytophilum(A. phagocytophilum)
son ambos patgenos intra-celulares producidos
por garrapatas, presentando un tropismo para
leucocitos (1). La infeccin con estos patgenos se
caracteriza por trombocitopenia, fiebre, depresin,
anorexia y otros signos relevantes. Los perros
son una gama de huspedes deE. canis y A.
phagocytophilum (1).

Previous data support that platelet count may

be a reliable screening test for canine monocytic
ehrlichiosis (2) and canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis
(3, 4) and that the severity of thrombocytopenia
may increase the reliability of diagnosis (2).
Albeit the diagnostic and prognostic importance
of thrombocytopenia, alterations in values for
platelet indices involving plateletcrit (PCT)
and mean platelet volume (MPV) in response
to aforementioned pathogens are still less
recognized and underestimated because of
scarcity information. Therefore the aim of the
present study was to evaluate platelet, besides
erythrocyte counts with their indices concerning
cell volume and distribution, in naturally
occurring E. canis and A. phagocytophilum
infections among dogs in Turkey.

Estadstica anterior sirve de base de que el conteo

de plaquetas puede ser una prueba confiable para
cribar ehrlichiosis monoltica canina (2) y ehrlichiosis
granulo citica canina (3, 4) y que la severidad de
la trombocitopenia puede aumentar la fiabilidad
del diagnstico (2). A pesar de la importancia
diagnstica y de prognosis de la trombocitopenia,
alteraciones en los valores para ndices de plaquetas
que conllevan plateletcrit (PCT) y el volumen
medio de plaquetas (MPV) en respuesta a los
patgenos antes mencionados son todava menos
reconocidos y subestimados debido a la escasez de
informacin. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente
estudio era el evaluar plaquetas, adems de conteo
de eritrocitos con sus ndices relativos a volumen y
distribucin de clulas, en infecciones de E. canis y
A. phagocytophilum que ocurren naturalmente en
los perros en Turqua.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study design and subjects. The present
study was enrolled among 71 dogs (32 male/39
female; aged from 1 to 9 years) reffered to the
Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary,
Department of Internal Medicine and to those of
privately owned small animal clinics in located
in Aydn and zmir provinces. The animals from
different breeds (8 Terrier, 7 Golden Retriever, 4
Cocker spaniel, 3 Rottweiler, 2 Turkish shepherd
dog, 1 for each Doberman, German shepher dog,
Jack Russel, Samoyed, Pointer, Setter, Daschund,
Siberian Husky, and 39 crossbred) involved
were selected to those of presenting clinical
signs compatible with a suspectible Ehrlichial
infection such as anorexia, weight loss, fever,
generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegalia,
muscle weakness, petechiae and ecchymosis,

MATERIALES Y MTODOS
Diseo del estudio y sujetos. El presente
estudio fue realizado en 71 perros (32 machos/39
hembras; con edades de 1 a 9 aos) remitidos
a la Universidad Adnan Menderes, Facultad de
Veterinaria. Departamento de Medicina Interna
y aqullos de pequeas clnicas veterinarias
de pequeos animales de propiedad privada
localizadas en las provincias de Aydn e zmir. Los
animales, de diferentes razas (8 Terrier, 7 Golden
Retriever, 4 Cocker spaniel, 3 Rottweiler, 2 perros
Pastor Turco, 1 por cada Doberman, perro Pastor
alemn, Jack Russel, Samoyedo, Pointer, Setter,
Daschund, Siberian Husky, y 39 de razas mixtas)
que fueron involucradas fueron seleccionados
para aqullos que presentaron signos clnicos
compatibles con una posible infeccin de Ehrlichia,
tales como anorexia, prdida de peso, fiebre,

zata - Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum

epistaxis, limb edema and/or polyarthritis.
The study protocol was approved by the
institutional laboratory animals ethics committee
of Adnan Menderes University HADYEK (with no:
B.30.2.AD.0.00.00.00 - 0.50.0.4-2010-077).
Besides informed written consent was obtained
from all of the dogs owners prior to enrolment
of the dogs participated in study. The dogs
participated in the study were selected to those
of 200 dogs (with or without thrombocytopenia)
by use of a canine point-of-care ELISA kit for
diagnosis of naturally occuring vector borne
diseases (Snap 4Dx, Idexx).
Formation of study groups. Dogs with naturally
occuring Ehrlichiosis and/or Anaplasmosis
(n=51) were enrolled into 3 groups as follows;
II. group involved A. phagocytophilum infected
dogs (n=10) (7 crossbred, 1 for each Terrier,
Setter and Golden Retriever), III. group (n=13)
E. canis+ A. phagocytophilum co-infected (13
crossbred), and IV. group (n=28) E. canis
infected dogs (10 crossbred, 5 Terrier, 3 Golden
Retriever, 2 for each Rottweiler, Turkish shepherd
dog and Cocker Spaniel, 1 for each Doberman,
German shepherd dog, Jack Russel Terrier and
Samoyed). Healthy controls (n=20), as detected
by complete physical examination and were
detected to be non-infected within the test kits,
were enrolled in group I. All dogs enrolled were
selected to those of untreated dogs against
aformentioned diseases. All dogs underwent
complete physical examination and related data
were recorded along within necessary labaoratory
analysis. Written consent was obtained from all of
the dogs owners prior to enrolment of the dogs
participated in study.
Haematological and Biochemical
examinations. Blood samples were
withdrawn from vena cephalica antebrachii
into anticoagulated (EDTA) tubes. Complete
blood counts were performed on referral within
Abacus Junior Vet hematology analyzer with
special reference to thrombocyte indices Mean
Plateled Volume (MPV), Plateletcrit (PCT) and
Red Distribution Width (RDW).
Serological analysis. Each sample was tested
by use of an ELISA kit (SNAP 4Dx, IDEXX
Laboratories, USA) in an attempt to diagnose
antigen of Dirofilaria immitis, and antibodies
against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia
canis, and Borrellia burgdorferi according
to the protocol listed in the product insert.
This assay detects antibodies reacting to 2
immunodominant proteins (p30 and p30-1) of
E. canis, immunodominant protein (msp2) of
A. phagocytophilum and the C6 peptide for B.
burgdorferi, along with a circulating carbohydrate

4279

linfoadenopata generalizada, crecimiento del

bazo, debilidad muscular, petequia y equimosis,
epistaxis, edema de los miembros y/o poli artritis.
El protocolo del estudio fue aprobado por el comit
de tica de laboratorio institucional de animales de
la Universidad de Adnan Menderes HADYEK (con
el nmero: B.30.2.AD.0.00.00.00 - 0.50.0.42010-077). Adems se obtuvo el consentimiento
informado escrito, de todos los propietarios de los
perros antes de meterlos al estudio. Los perros que
participaron en el estudio fueron seleccionados de
aqullos 200 perros (con o sin trombocitopenia)
mediante el uso de un kit de prueba canina ELISA
para el diagnstico del vector de enfermedades que
ocurren naturalmente (ndice Snap 4Dx).
Formacin de grupos de estudio. Los perros
con Ehrlichiosis y/o Anaplasmosis (n=51) de
ocurrencia natural, fueron incluidos en t3 grupos
as; Grupo II que comprenda perros infectados con
A. phagocytophilum (n=10) (7 de razas mixtas,
1 por cada Terrier, Setter y Golden Retriever),
Grupo III (n=13) co-infectados de E. canis+ A.
phagocytophilum (13 de raza mixta), y grupo IV.
(n=28) perros infectados con E. canis (10 de raza
mixta, 5 Terrier, 3 Golden Retriever, 2 de cada
Rottweiler, pastor turco y Cocker Spaniel, 1 por
cada Doberman, perro Pastor alemn, Jack Russel
Terrier y Samoyedo). Los perros de control por estar
saludables (n=20), detectados por examen fsico
completo y se detect que no estaban infectados
con los kit de deteccin, fueron metidos en el grupo
I. Todos los perros incluidos fueron seleccionados
entre los perros que no haban sido tratados contra
las enfermedades arriba mencionadas. Todos los
perros pasaron por un completo examen fsico
y la estadstica relativa fue registrada junto con
los anlisis de laboratorio necesarios. Se obtuvo
consentimiento escrito de todos los propietarios de
perros, antes de hacerlos partcipes en el estudio.
Exmenes hematolgicos y biolgicos. Se
tomaron muestras de sangre de la vena ceflica
antebrachii en tubos anti-coagulados (EDTA). Se
realizaron conteos completos de sangre en remisin
dentro del Abaco Analista junior Veterinario con
referencia especial a ndices de trombocitos
Volumen Medio Plaqueteado (MPV), Plateletcrit
(PCT) y grosor de distribucin de rojos (RDW).
Anlisis serolgico. Cada muestra fue probada
mediante el uso de un kit ELISA (SNAP 4Dx, IDEXX
Laboratories, USA) en un intento de diagnosticar
antgenos de Dirofilaria immitis, anticuerpos andan
contra Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia
canis, y Borrellia burgdorferi de acuerdo con el
protocolo listado en el informe del producto. Este
ensayo detecta anticuerpos que reaccionan a 2
protenas inmuno-dominantes (p30 y p30-1)
de E. canis, protena inmuno dominante (msp2)

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REVISTA MVZ CRDOBA Volumen 19(3) Septiembre - Diciembre 2014

antigen of D. immitis. The test results were

recorded in an Excel spreadsheet.
Statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were
performed. Correlation coefficient among those
parameters were calculated within Pearson
test. Clinical signs obtained based on presence/
absence such as nasal discharge, anorexia,
weight loss, tick infestation, muscle weakness,
dermal petechiae, epistaxis, poliarthritis and
lymphadenopthy among groups were subjected
to Chi square test of independence. One
wayanalysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed
for data involving hematological parameters.
Thus differences for mean values among groups
were detected. Moreover Tukey test was applied
to determine significantdifferences existing
among group means within variance analysis.

RESULTS
Hematological analysis. Table 1 showed
hematological variables obtained. Anemia,
thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis were
frequently detected among dogs co-infected
with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum (group
III) whereas leukopenia was significantly evident
in dogs infected with E. canis (group IV) in
contrast to other groups. Besides only 10% of
dogs infected with A. phagocytophilum presented
leukopenia.
Significant differences were observed in mean
WBC [between control group and IV. (E. canis)
group (p0.05)], and RBC values [among control
group and groups III. and IV. (p<0.01)] (Table 2).
Variance analysis showed significant differences
for mean Hb values among control group and
groups III and IV (p0.01), and for mean Ht
values among control group and groups III and
IV (p0.01). Variance analysis showed significant
differences for mean MCV values between control
group and group IV (p0.05). Non-significant
differences were detected for mean MCHC values
among groups (p0.05) (Table 2).
Statistically significant differences were observed
for mean values of PLT and PCT for groups II,
III and IV in contrast to the control group at the
level of p0.01, respectively (Table 3). Variance
analysis showed that there was no significant

de A. phagocytophilum y el pptido C6 para B.

burgdorferi, junto con un antgeno de carbohidrato
circulante de D. immitis. Los resultados de las
pruebas fueron registrados en una hoja de clculo
de Excel.
Anlisis estadstico. Se realizaron estadsticas
descriptivas. Se calcularon los coeficientes de
correlacin entre esos parmetros dentro de la
prueba Pearson. Los signos clnicos obtenidos con
base en la presencia/ausencia de sntomas como
flujo nasal, anorexia, prdida de peso, infestacin
de garrapatas, debilidad muscular, petequias en
la piel, epistaxis, poliartritis y linfoadenopata
entre los grupos fueron sometidos a la prueba
de independencia de Chi al cuadrado. Se emple
una forma de anlisis de varianza (ANOVA)
para estadsticas relacionadas con parmetros
hematolgicos. De esta forma, se detectaron las
diferencias para valores medios entre los grupos.
Ms an, se aplic la prueba Tukey para determinar
diferencias significativas existentes entre medias
entre los grupos dentro de anlisis de varianza.

RESULTADOS
Anlisis hematolgico. La tabla 1 mostr las
variables hematolgicas obtenidas. Se detectaron
frecuentemente entre los perros co-infectados
con E. canis y A. phagocytophilum (grupo III)
anemia, trombocitopenia y leucocitosis mientras
que la leucopenia fue significativamente evidente
en perros infectados con E. canis (grupo IV) en
contraste con otros grupos. Adems, solo el 10%
de los perros infectados con A. phagocytophilum
presentaron leucopenia.
Se observaron diferencias significativas en la media
WBC [entre el grupo de control y el grupo IV (E.
canis) (p0.05)], y los valores RBC [entre el grupo
de control y los grupos III. y IV. (p<0.01)] (Tabla
2). El anlisis de varianza mostr diferencias
significativas para los valores medio de Hb entre
el grupo de control y los grupos III y IV (p0.01y
para los valores medios de Ht entre el grupo de
control y los grupos III y IV (p0.01). El anlisis de
varianza mostr diferencias significativas para los
valores medios de MCV entre el grupo de control
y el grupo IV (p0.05). Se detectaron diferencias
no significativas para los valores medios de MCHC
entre los grupos (p>0.05) (Tabla 2).

Table 1. Haematological abnormalities among E. canis and/or A. phagocytophilum infected dogs.

Haematological abnormality

A. phagocytophilum
(n:10) (%)

E. canis+A. phagocytophilum
(n:13) (%)

E. canis
(n:28) (%)

Anemia

6/10 (60)

10/13 (76)

19/28 (67)

Thrombocytopenia

5/10 (50)

8/13 (76.9)

20/28 (71.4)

Leukocytosis

4/10 (40)

5/13 (38)

4/28 (14)

Leukopenia

1/10 (10)

0/13 (0)

6/28 (21)

zata - Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum

4281

Table 2. Descriptive statistics relevant to leukocyte and eryhtrocyte parameters in all groups.
Control
(n: 20)

A. phagocytophilum
(n:10)

E. canis +A.
phagocytophilum
(n: 13)

E. canis
(n: 28)

WBC

11.4350.735a

13.192.10ab

15.731.82ab

10.611.08b

RBC

6.6230.226a

5.4700.239ab

4.8450.356b

4.6710.296b

**

HGB

15.0690.485a

11.8700.639ab

10.3620.822b

9.8290.754b

**

HCT

43.831.35a

35.391.77ab

30.962.34b

29.361.97b

**

MCV

66.0000.557a

64.601.19ab

63.8460.839ab

62.6790.911b

MCHC

34.5050.386

33.5100.440

33.3850.350

32.2460.738

Values were indicated as mean SE mean.

a, b: Parameters presented within different letters at the same row indicated statistical significance (*p0.05, **p0.01)

Table 3. Descriptive statistics relevant to thrombocyte parameters in all groups.

Control
(n: 20)

A. phagocytophilum
(n:10)

E. canis +A.
phagocytophilum
(n: 13)

E. canis
(n: 28)

PLT

370.428.6a

159.663.5 b

142.344.3 b

148.733.5 b

**

PCT

0.36950.0283 a

0.15300.590b

0.15310.0441 b

0.14500.314 b

**

MPV

9.8070.232

9.0800.647

10.1230.982

8.9210.578

38.7550.510

37.841.46b

34.404.33

36.302.02

PDWc

Values were indicated as mean SE mean. a, b: Parameters presented within different letters at the same row indicated statistical significance.
(*p0.05, **p0.01).

difference between mean MPV and PDWc values

of the four groups (p0.05).
Serological results. In vitro diagnostic
rapid test kits (Snap4Dx) revealed positivity
against antibodies E. canis 28/200 (14%), A.
phagocytophilum 10/200 (5%) and 13/200
(6.5%) both for E. canis and A. phagocytophilum.
Clinical signs. Chi-square test was used for
independence controls among groups (I, II, III, IV)
and clinical findings observed based on presence
(1)- or absence (0) such as nasal discharge,
anorexia, weight loss, tick infestation, fever,
muscle weakness, petechiae and ecchymosis,
epistaxis, polyarthritis, lymphadenopathy. Nasal
discharge, anorexia, weight loss, tick infestation
and lymphadenopathy were dependent variables
among groups at the level of p0.01. Other
clinical signs aforementioned did not reveal
statistical significance among infected groups.
Taking into account the probable transmission is
through the bite of ticks for Ehrlichial organisms,
active tick infestation was evident among 90%,
53.85%, and 71.43% of dogs infected with
A. phagocytophilum, mixed E. canis and A.
phagocytophilum and E. canis, respectively.
When cases were deemed individually, a Boxer
dog infected with E. canis presented distal limb
edema, whereas A. phagocytophilum infected
Rottweiler dog showed lameness and central
nervous system signs. Dogs infected with E.
canis or A. phagocytophilum showed bleeding
tendency.
Correlation analysis for relevant hematological
variables. In the present study correlation among

Se observaron diferencias estadsticamente

significativas para los valores medios de PLT y PCT
para los grupos II, III y IV en contraste con el grupo
de control al nivel de p0.01, respectivamente
(Tabla 3). El anlisis de varianza mostr que no
diferencia significativa entre los valores medios
de MPV y PDWc para los cuatro grupos (p>0.05).
Resultados serolgicos. Los kits de pruebas
diagnsticas rpidas In vitro (Snap4Dx) revelaron
positividad contra anticuerpos E. canis 28/200
(14%), A. phagocytophilum 10/200 (5%) y 13/200
(6.5%) ambos para E. canis y A. phagocytophilum.
Signos clnicos. Se utiliz la prueba de Chicuadrado para controles de independencia entre
grupos (I, II, III, IV) y los resultados clnicos
observados, basados en la presencia (1)- o
ausencia (0) tales como flujo nasal, anorexia,
prdida de peso, infestacin de garrapatas,
fiebre, debilidad muscular, petequias y equimosis,
apitaxis, poliartritis, linfoadenopatas. El flujo
nasal, anorexia, prdida de peso, infestacin de
garrapatas y linfoadenopatas fueron variables
dependientes entre los grupos al nivel de p0.01.
Los otros signos clnicos, arriba mencionados, no
revelaron significancia estadstica entre grupos
infectados.
Teniendo en cuenta que la posible transmisin se da
a travs de picadas de garrapatas para organismos
Ehrliquiales, la infestacin activa de garrapatas
fue evidente entre el 90%, 53.85%, y 71.43%
de los perros infectados con A. phagocytophilum,
E. canis y A. phagocytophilum mezcladas y E.
canis, respectivamente. Cuando se consideraron
casos individualmente, un perro Boxer infectado
con E. canis present edema distal de miembro,

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REVISTA MVZ CRDOBA Volumen 19(3) Septiembre - Diciembre 2014

those three thrombocyte indices(PCT, MPV and

PDWc) and paralel red blood cell parameters
(HCT, MCV and RDW) were investigated for all
groups and for intragroup comparison. When
all groups were evalauted completely Pearson
correlation analysis revelaed positive strong
(r:0.383) significant (p0.01) correlation
between PCT and HCT. Besides a positive strong
(r:0.372) significant (p0.01) correlation was
also evident between PLT and RBC. Between MPV
and MCV a positive but nonsignificant correlation
(r=0.220; p0.05) was found (Table 4).
Taking into account PLT and relevant thrombocyte
indices, a positive strong significant correlation
between PLT and PCT (r= 0.983; p0.01),
indeed a positive but nonsignificant correlation
among PLT and MPV, and PLT and PDWc (p0.05,
both) were found (Table 4).

mientras que un perro Rottweiler infectado con

A. Phagocytophilum mostr cojera y signos del
sistema nervioso central. Perros infectados con E.
canis o A. phagocytophilum mostraron tendencia
a sangrar.
Anlisis de correlacin para variables
hematolgicas relevantes.
En el presente
estudio, se estudiaron la correlacin entre tres
ndices trombocticos (PCT, MPV y PDWc) y
parmetros paralelos de clulas de sangre rojas
(HCT, MCV and RDW) para todos los grupos y para
una comparacin intra grupo. Cuando todos los
grupos fueron evaluados completamente, el anlisis
de correlacin de Pearson revel fuerte y positiva
(r:0.383), significativa (p0.01) correlacin entre
PCT y HCT. Adems una correlacin positiva y
fuerte (r:0.372) significativa (p0.01) tambin
fue evidente entre PLT y RBC. Entre MPV y MCV
se encontr una correlacin positiva pero no
significativa (r=0.220; p>0.05) (Tabla 4).

Table 4. Correlation coefficients and statistical analysis among thrombocyte indices (PCT, MPv and PDwc) and
paralel erythrocyte parameters for all groups.
WBC

RBC

HGB

HCT

MCV

MCHC

PLT

PCT

RBC

0.084
0.484

HGB

0.096
0.426

0.966
0.000

HCT

0.096
0.427

0.978
0.000

0.991
0.000

MCV

0.080
0.478

0.234
0.050

0.425
0.000

0.422
0.000

MCHC

0.167
0.163

0.518
0.000

0.616
0.000

0.549
0.000

0.283
0.017

PLT

0.080
0.509

0.372
0.001

0.376
0.001

0.376
0.001

0.134
0.267

0.265
0.026

PCT

0.061
0.611

0.365
0.002

0.385
0.001

0.383
0.001

0.183
0.127

0.283
0.017

0.983
0.000

MPV

0.043
0.724

0.001
0.992

0.068
0.572

0.044
0.717

0.220
0.066

0.103
0.391

0.162
0.176

0.247
0.038

PDWc

0.071
0.556

0.050
0.467

0.088
0.467

0.066
0.585

0.112
0.352

0.076
0.527

0.229
0.055

0.272
0.022

MPV

0.848
0.000

Cell content; Pearson correlation coefficient (r)

P value.

Intragroup comparison revealed a strong

negative significant correlation between
PCT and HCT (r:-0.512; p0.05) for control
group. Comparative correlation among PLT
and thrombocyte indices revealed a positive
significant correlation between PLT and PCT
(r=0.943; p0.01), whereas negative significant
correlations among PLT and MPV (r:-0.554;
p0.05) and PLT and PDWc (r:-0.548, p0.05)
(Table 5).
In group II. of dogs infected with A.
phagocytophilum, positive but nonsignificant
(p0.05) correlations were found among PCT
and HCT (r:0.361), MPV and MCV (r:0.085), PLT
and RBC (r:0.391). Within this group a positive
strong (r:0.988) significant (p0.01) correlation

Teniendo en cuenta ndices relevantes de PLT y

trombocticos, se encontraron una correlacin
positiva y significativa entre PLT y PCT (r= 0.983;
p0.01), una correlacin realmente positiva pero
insignificante entre PLT y MPV, y entre PLT y PDWc
(p>0.05, ambas) (Tabla 4).
La comparacin intra grupos revel una correlacin
fuerte negativa entre PCT y HCT (r:-0.512;
p0.05) para el grupo de control. Una correlacin
comparativa entre los ndices de PLT y tromboctico
mostr una correlacin positiva significativa PLT y
PCT (r=0.943; p0.01), mientras que [resultaron]
correlaciones negativas significativas entre PLT y
MPV (r:-0.554; p0.05) y entre PLT y PDWc (r:0.548, p0.05) (Tabla 5).

zata - Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum

4283

Table 5. Correlation among thrombocyte indices (PLT, PCT, MPV) and anemia parameters (RBC, HCT, MCV).
PCT-HCT
I. Control

MPV-MCV

PLT-RBC

PLT-PCT

PLT-MPV

PLT-PDWc

-0.512
0.021*

0.100
0.676

-0.503
0.024*

0.943
0.000**

-0.554
0.011*

-0.548
0.012*

II. A. phagocytophilum

0.361
0.305

0.085
0.815

0.391
0.264

0.988
0.000**

0.208
0.564

0.178
0.623

III.E. canis +A. phagocytophilum

0.069
0.824

0.514
0.072

0.019
0.951

0.990
0.000**

0.175
0.567

0.361
0.225

IV. E. canis

0.265
0.173

0.134
0.498

0.334
0.082

0.981
0.000**

0.235
0.229

0.221
0.258

Cell content; Pearson correlation coefficient (r)

P value
* p0.05
* * p 0 . 0 1

was evident between PLT and PCT. Similarly in

groups III. and IV. positive correlations, (r:0.990;
p0.01) and (r:0.981; p0.01), respectively,
were found between PLT and PCT, whereas other
parameters showed non-significant correlations
(Table 5).

DISCUSSION
The most commonly detected hematological
alteration was thrombocytopenia, which was
observed in 71.4, 90 and 76.9% of dogs infected
with E. canis (IV group), A. phagocytophilum
(II group) and E. canis+ A. phagocytophilum
(III group). Among total population enrolled,
71.8% were infected with E. canis and/or A.
phagocytophilum, and to those of 51 animals,
bleeding tendency (petechia/echimoses) was
determined in 13 dogs.
Thrombocytopenia is also consistent feature of
A. phagocytophilum infection (5,6). Antibodymediated haemolytic anaemia accompanying
thrombocytopenia has been detected in
relation toA. phagocytophiluminfection in a
dog (3). Indeed there is no proof of antibodymediated immune-mediated disease. Mouse
model of infection suggested that neither
splenic sequestration of platelets nor antibodymediated destruction did not have a direct
effect for the acute thrombocytopenia seen
with infection (5). Although haematopoietic
cells including megakaryocytes were found
susceptible to A. phagocytophilum, infectioninduced thrombocytopenia was not suggested
to be in relation with a direct effect of
intracellular pathogen (7).
Taking into account all infected E. canis
and/or A. phagocytophilum dogs significant
differences (p0.01) were observed among
clinical findings such as nasal discharge,
appetite, tick infestation, muscle weakness,
dermal petechia/echimoses, poliarthritis and
lymphadenopathy in contrast to the control
group. Moreover cases involved in groups II,
III and IV. were dependent to the presence/

En el grupo II de perros infectados con A.

phagocytophilum, se encontraron correlaciones
positivas pero no significativas (p>0.05) entre
PCT y HCT (r:0.361), MPV y MCV (r:0.085), PLT
y RBC (r:0.391). Dentro de este grupo, se hizo
evidente una correlacin positiva fuerte (r:0.988)
significativa (p0.01) entre PLT y PCT. En forma
similar, en los grupos III y IV se encontraron
correlaciones positivas (r:0.990; p0.01) y
(r:0.981; p0.01), respectivamente, entre PLT
y PCT, mientras que otros parmetros mostraron
correlaciones no significativas (Tabla 5).

DISCUSIN
La alteracin hematolgica ms comnmente
detectada fue la trombocitopenia, que se observ en
71.4, 90 y 76.9% de los perros infectados con E. canis
(grupo IV), A. phagocytophilum (grupo II) y E. canis+
A. phagocytophilum (grupo III). Entre la poblacin
total involucrada, 71.8% se infectaron con E. canis
y/o A. phagocytophilum, y para ellos, se determin
tendencia al sangrado (petequia/equimosis) en 13
perros de un total de 51 animales.
La trombocitopenia tambin es una caracterstica
consistente de la infeccin de A. phagocytophilum
(5,6). Se detect anemia hemoltica mediada por
anti cuerpos acompaando la trombocitopenia, en
relacin con la infeccin deA. phagocytophilum en un
perro (3). En realidad, no hay prueba de enfermedad
mediada por anticuerpos o por inmunidad. El modelo
de infeccin de Mouse sugiri que, ni la retencin
de plaquetas por el vaso, ni la destruccin mediada
por anti cuerpos, tuvieron un efecto directo en la
trombocitopenia aguda observada con la infeccin
(5). Aunque se encontraron clulas hematopoyticas
incluyendo megacariocitos susceptibles a A.
phagocytophilum, la trombocitopenia inducida por
la infeccin no se sugiri que tuviera relacin con un
efecto directo de patgeno intracelular (7).
Teniendo en cuenta todos los perros infectados con
E. canis y/o A. Phagocytophilum, se observaron
diferencias significativas (p0.01) entre resultados
clnicos tales como fluido nasal, apetito, in festacin
de garrapatas, debilidad muscular, petequia de la

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REVISTA MVZ CRDOBA Volumen 19(3) Septiembre - Diciembre 2014

absence of clinical signs aforementioned. In

E. canis infected dogs (group IV.) the mean
values for leukocyte responses signifricantly
decreased in contrast to control group. In
groups II and IV mean values for RBC, Hb and
HCT were significantly decreased in contrast
to control group (p0.01).
A common pattern of the hemopathological
effects of CME may be variable during different
phases of the disease (8). The effects of
CME on the circulating blood cells may be
accompanied by bone marrow suppression
depending of the stage of the disease, thus
may result with deficient production of one
or more of the blood elements (8). Another
research indicated that in the acute or chronic
phases of CME leukopenia accompanied anemia
and thrombocytopenia (9). It was suggested
that a significant percentage of pancytopenic
or anemic dogs with CME were serologically
positive and PCR negative (9). Pancytopenia,
anemia and leukopenia were already described
in acute and chronic stages of CME (10).
Serology positive however PCR negative dogs
may be at a chronic stage, even cells are
reduced due to bone marrow damage andE.
canisis in the tissue, thus may not be PCR
detectable. All dogs with leukocytosis were
PCR positive, and 50% were also serologically
positive in the latter study (9). The latter
cases could be involved in acute stage of
CME, as leukocytosis exist in the first 2- 3
weeks due to bone marrow hyperplasia (9).
In the present study among E. canis infected
dogs 14% presented leukocytosis, whereas
21% leukopenia. A. phagocytophilum infected
dogs showed 40% leukocytosis, whereas 10%
leukopenia. Aforementioned hematological
results may be relevant to the different stages
of the infection.
Automated blood cell analyzers recently are
of beneficial in an attempt to provide novel
data about platelets via the measurement of
platelet indices, involving MPV, PDW and PCT
(11, 12). Platelet indices may be of beneficial
and suggests clinical data relevant to the
underlying causes of thrombocytopenia in
humanbeing (12), and in dogs (13, 14).
MPV has also been reported to be an indirect
marker of alterations in platelet production and
activity and of bone marrow response in septic
patients (13-15) and inflammatory diseases in
dogs (12). In a canine model of endotoxemia,
elevated MPV values were reported whereas
PLT and PCT decreased (16). In the latter
study thrombocytopenia was signicantly
associated with alterations in MPV, and to those

piel/ equimosis, poliartritis y linfoadenopatas, en

contraste con el grupo de control. Por otra parte,
casos involucrados en los grupos II, III y IV fueron
dependientes de la presencia/ausencia de los signos
clnicos antes mencionados. En perros infectados con
E. canis (grupo IV.) los valores medios para respuestas
de leucocitos disminuyeron significativamente en
contraste con el grupo de control. En los grupos II
y IV los valores medios de RBC, Hb y HCT fueron
significativamente disminuidos en contraste con el
grupo de control (p0.01).
Un patrn comn de los efectos hemopatolgicos
de CME puede ser variable durante las diferentes
fases de la enfermedad (8). Los efectos de CME
en las clulas de la sangre circulante, pueden estar
acompaados por supresin de la mdula sea ,
dependiendo de la fase de la enfermedad, y as puede
resultar con una deficiente produccin de uno o ms
de los elementos de la sangre (8). Otra investigacin
indic que, en las fases agudas o crnicas de CME la
leucopenia acompa a la anemia y trombocitopenia
(9). Se sugiri que un porcentaje significativo de
pancitopnicos o perros anmicos con CME eran
serolgicamente positivos y PCR negativos (9).
La pancitopenia, anemia y leucopenia ya estaban
descritas en etapas aguda y crnica de CME (10). Los
perros con serologa positiva pero con PCR negativa
pueden estar en la etapa crnica, las clulas pares
se reducen debido a daos en la medula y a queE.
canisse encuentra en el tejido, y por ello puede no ser
detectable el PCR. Todos los perros con leucocitosis
fueron positivos para PCR y 50% tambin fueron
serolgicamente positivos en el ltimo estudio (9).
Los ltimos casos pueden estar involucrados en una
etapa aguda de CME, puesto que la leucocitosis existe
en las primeras 2- 3 semanas debido a hiperplasia de
la medula (9). En el presente estudio, entre los perros
infectados con E. Canis, 14% presentaron leucocitosis,
mientras que 21% presentaron leucopenia. Los perros
infectados con A. phagocytophilum mostraron 40%
leucocitosis, mientras que el 10% tenan leucopenia.
Los resultados hematolgicos arrioba mencionados
pueden ser relevantes a las diferentes etapas de la
infeccin.
Analizadores automatizados de las clulas de
la sangre, son un intento reciente para proveer
estadstica novedosa sobre plaquetas va la medicin
de ndices de plaquetas que involucran MPV, PDW y
PCT (11, 12). Los ndices de plaquetas pueden ser
beneficiosos y sugieren estadsticas clnicas relevantes
a los casos subyacentes de tromobocitopenia en
humanos (12), y en perros (13, 14).
Tambin se ha reportado que MPV puede ser un
marcador indirecto de alteraciones en la produccin
y actividad de las plaquetas y de las respuestas de la
medula en pacientes spticos (13-15) y enfermedades
inflamatorias en perros (12). En un modelo canino

zata - Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum

of ndings may be attributable to changes in
platelet production and reactivity, furthermore
platelet indices may be used for diagnosis and
monitoring of dogs with endotoxemia (16).
For healthy dogs Yilmaz et al (16) detected
mean MPV values as 9.3 0.5, whereas in a
prior study min-max values of 7.9-13.5 fL (17)
was detected. In 2 different studies performed
among dogs infected with Babesiosis, Poland
side reported MPV values of 6.1-10.1 fL in 248
dogs naturally infected with large Babesia form
(18), indeed Crotian research revealed MPV
min-max values of 5-13.1 fL for diseased dogs
(17). For both of the studies MPV values above
reference ranges may be attributable to release
of immature platelets from the bone marrow
due to responsive thrombopoiesis occuring in
Babesisosis or beacuse of immune-mediated
thrombocytopenia.
In the present study indeed expectations,
mean MPV values did not present significant
alterations in dogs infected with E. canis and/or
A. phagocytophilum in contrast to the control
group, therefore MPV may not be a sensitive
platelet index in those dogs or it should be
suggested that it may be an independent index
at least for infected dogs involved.
The quantitation of thrombocytes in peripheral
blood is well known and recognized tool.
Recently, new indices related to platelet counts
are provided within the use of automated
hematologic analyzers (19). As platelet indices
are relatively novel parameters for veterinary
medicine, the scientific literature is lacking
expected and expanded knowledge. The
correlation between the platelet indices and
parallel RBC parameters has been the subject
of some studies (19).
PCT denotes the term for the percentage of
blood volume occupied within the thrombocytes
(20). Surfaces of cells are required for clotting
alterations taking place, therefore the present
authors examined PCT, as was also reported
(17). In healthy dogs Yilmaz et al (16)
reported PCT values of 0.330.01. In dogs
with Babesiosis PCT values were significantly
decreased before and after therapy, in contrast
to the healthy dogs (17). In the latter study
the reference ranges changed from 0.01 to
0.08% in dogs infected with Babesiosis, prior
to therapy (17). In the present study among
healthy dogs PCT was 0.3695 0.0283,
however the latter parameter was decrased
significantly in other 3 groups with infected
dogs.

4285

de endotoxemia, se reportaron valores elevados

de MPV mientras que los de PLT y PCT decrecieron
(16). En el ltimo estudio, la trombocitopenia estaba
significativamente asociada con alteraciones en MPV, y
para ellos, esas observaciones pueden ser atribuibles
a cambios en la produccin y reactividad de las
plaquetas. Ms an, los ndices de plaquetas pueden
ser utilizados para diagnstico y monitoreo de perros
con endotoxemia (16).
Para perros sanos, Yilmaz y otros (16) detectaron
valores medios de MPV como 9.3 0.5, mientras
que en un estudio previo los valores mnimos y
mximos detectados fueron de 7.9-13.5 fL (17). En
2 estudios diferentes realizados en perros infectados
con Babesiosis, el lado de Polonia report valores
de MPV de 6.1-10.1 fL en 248 perros infectados
naturalmente con una forma grande de Babesia (18),
por cierto que la investigacin Croata revel valores
mnimo y mximo de MPV de 5-13.1 fL para perros
enfermos (17). Para ambos estudios , los valores
de referencia de MPV arriba sealados pueden ser
atribuidos a una descarga de plaquetas inmaduras de
la medula debido a trombopoesis de respuesta que
ocurre en Babesisosis o por trombocitopenia mediada
por inmunidad.
En el presente estudio, ciertamente las expectativas,
los valores medios de MPV no presentaron alteraciones
significativas en perros infectados con E. canis y/o A.
phagocytophilum en contraste con el grupo de control,
por lo tanto, MPV puedo no ser un ndice sensible de
plaqueta en esos perros o puede sugerirse que puede
ser un ndice independiente al menos para perros
infectados involucrados.
La cuantificacin de trombocitos en la sangre perifrica
es una herramienta bien conocida y reconocida.
Recientemente, nuevos ndices relativos al conteo
de plaquetas se proveen dentro del uso de los
analistas hematolgicos automatizados (19). Puesto
que los ndices de plaquetas son unos parmetros
relativamente novedosos para la medicina veterinaria,
a la literatura cientfica le faltan conocimientos
esperados y expandidos. La correlacin entre los
ndices de plaquetas y parmetros paralelos de RBC
ha sido objeto de algunos estudios (19).
PCT es el trmino para el porcentaje del volumen
de la sangre ocupado por los trombocitos (20). Se
requieren superficies de clulas para alteraciones en
coagulacin que toman plac. Por lo tanto los autores
de este artculo examinaron los valores de PCT, dado
que tambin fueron reportados (17). En perros
sanos, Yilmaz y otros (16) reportaron valores de PCT
de 0.330.01. En perros con Babesiosis los valores
de PCT haban disminuidos significativamente antes
y despus de la terapia, en contraste con los perros
sanos (17). En este estudio, los rangos de referencia
cambiaron de 0.01 a 0.08% en perros infectados con

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REVISTA MVZ CRDOBA Volumen 19(3) Septiembre - Diciembre 2014

In the present study mean MPV values were

decreased in II and IV groups along with
decrases in PCT values, indeed alterations
among mean MPV and PDWc values did not
show any differences compared with the
control group. Furthermore thrombocytopenia
was significantly correlated with the alterations
in PCT. Those findings might show alterations
in PLT production and reactivation or the
percent of blood volume occupied within
the thrombocytes, therefore we concluded
that PCT, as a PLT index, may have potential
value in the interpretation, diagnosis and
monitorization of dogs infected with E. canis
and/or A. phagocytophilum.
Taking into acoount the platelet indices, as
aforementioned above PCT, MPV and PDW
may be interpreted from the blood analysis
(19). Albeit there is scarcity and lacking data
reported in the literature regarding those
parameters. MPV, actually the best recognized
parameter in contrast to other relevant ones,
is an index of platelet function and activation
(15,). In our study mean MPV values did not
show statistical differences among groups.
M o r e ove r n o s t a t i s t i c a l c o r r e l a t i o n wa s
presented between mean MPV values and
paralel red blood cell parameter, MCV. In
general elevated MPV should be observed in
regenerative thrombocytopenia (increased
peripheral loss, destruction/utilization of
platelets and elevated production of platelets
by marrow)(15,19). In our study as infected
dogs in groups II, II and IV. did not show
significant chnages among mean MPV values,
it might be attributable to lacking regenerative
thrombocytopenia or the duration of the
diseases. The present authors did not evaluate
antigenic status, solely examined antibodies
against E. canis and/or A. phagocytophilum.
Especially for E. canis antigenic load was not
evaluated therefore active or acute stages of
the disease were not determined, not allowing
for entirely interpreting megakaryocytic
alterations in bone marrow.
The correlation between PLT count and the three
parameters and those among the three parameters
and paralel RBC indices were studied. In the
present study correlation among those three PLT
indices (PCT, MPV and PDWc) and paralel RBC
parameters (HCT, MCV and RDW) were investigated
for all groups and for intragroup comparison. When
all groups were evalauted completely Pearson
correlation analysis revelaed positive strong
(r:0.383) significant (p0.01) correlation between
PCT and HCT. Besides a positive strong (r:0.372)
significant (p0.01) correlation was also evident
between PLT and RBC.

Babesiosis, antes de la terapia (17). En el presente

estudio entre perros sanos, los valores de PCT fueron
0.3695 0.0283. Sin embargo, este ltimo parmetro
se disminuy significativamente en otros 3 grupos con
perros infectados.
En el presente estudio, los valores medios de MPV
decrecieron en los grupos II y IV al mismo tiempo
que disminuyeron los valores en PCT. Ciertamente,
las alteraciones entre los valores medios de MPV y
PDWc, no mostraron diferencia alguna comparada
con el grupo de control. Ms an, la trombocitopenia
estaba significativamente correlacionada con las
alteracin es en PCT. Esas observaciones pueden
mostrar alteraciones en la produccin y reactivacin
de PLT o el porcentaje de volumen de sangre ocupado
dentro de los trombocitos. Por lo tanto nosotros
concluimos que PCT, como el ndice PLT pueden tener
un valor potencial en la interpretacin, diagnstico y
monitoreo de perros infectados con E. canis y/o A.
phagocytophilum.
Teniendo en cuenta los ndices de plaquetas, como
se mencion antes, PCT, MPV y PDW pueden ser
interpretados desde el anlisis de la sangre (19).
Aunque hay escases y falta de informacin repostada
en la literatura relativa a esos parmetros. MPV,
actualmente el parmetro mejor reconocido, en
contraste con otros relevantes, es un ndice de funcin
y activacin de plaquetas (15,). En nuestro estudio,
los valores medios de MPV no mostraron diferencias
estadsticas entre grupos. Ms an, no se present
correlacin estadstica entre los valores medios de MPV
y parmetros paralelos de clulas de sangre rojas, MCV.
En general debe observarse un valor elevado de MPV
en trombocitopecia regenerativa (prdida perifrica
incrementada, destruccin/utilizacin de plaquetas
y elevada produccin de plaquetas por la medula
(15,19). En nuestro estudio, comoquiera que los
perros infectados en los grupos II, II y IV no mostraron
cambios significativos entre valores medios de MPV,
esto puede ser atribuido a la falta de trombocitopenia
regenerativa o a la duracin de las enfermedades.
Los autores de este artculo, no evaluamos el estatus
antignico, solamente examinamos anticuerpos contra
E. canis y/o A. phagocytophilum. Especialmente para
E. Canis, no se evalu la carga de antgenos. Por lo
tanto, no se determinaron etapas activas o agudas
de la enfermedad, no permitiendo la interpretacin
completa de alteraciones megacariocticas en la
medula.
Se estudiaron las correlaciones entre el conteo de
PLT y los tres parmetros y aqulla entre los tres
parmetros y los ndices RBC paralelos. En el presente
estudio, se investigaron las correlaciones entre esos
tres ndices PLT (PCT, MPV y PDWc) y parmetros RBC
paralelos (HCT, MCV y RDW) para todos los grupos
y para una comparacin intra grupo. Cuando se
evaluaron todos los grupos completamente, el anlisis

zata - Thrombocyte indices in dogs infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum

Taking into account PLT and relevant PLT
indices, a positive strong significant correlation
between PLT and PCT (r=0.983; p0.01),
intragroup comparison revealed a strong
negative significant correlation between
PCT and HCT (r:-0.512; p0.05) for control
group. Comparative correlation among PLT
and PLT indices revealed a positive significant
correlation between PLT and PCT (r=0.943;
p0.01), whereas negative significant
correlations among PLT and MPV (r:-0.554;
p0.05), besides PLT and PDWc (r:-0.548,
p 0.05) (Tab l e 5). Si mi l arl y a p osit ive
significant correlation between PLT and PCT
was detected in groups II, III and IV.
In conclusion, regarding to the data achieved
from the present study, it may be suggested
that in dogs infected with E. canis and/or
A. phagocytophilum, RBC and PLT indices
should be interpreted along, in an attempt to
scrutinize anemia and/or trombocytopenia.
Infected dogs showed significant alterations
(p0.01) among mean PLT and PCT values
and a positive correlation was evident between
t h o s e 2 p a ra m e t e r s ( p 0 . 0 1 ) , w he r e as
alterations on mean MPV and PDWc were not
statistically significant. Finally it was suggested
that according to the aforimentioned results,
PLT and PCT values may be used as valuable
parameters for diagnosis and probably for
monitorization and prognosis in infected dogs
with mentioned agents.
Acknowledgement
This study was summarized paritally from the
master thesis of Funda OZATA, M.Sc., DVM,
under the advisory of Dr. Kerem URAL, DVM
and was funded by Adnan Menderes University
Research Projects Funding Unit with project
number VTF-11025.

4287

de correlacin de Pearson revel una correlacin

positiva y fuerte (r:0.383) significativa (p0.01)
entre PCT y HCT. Adems, tambin fue evidente una
correlacin positiva y fuerte (r:0.372) significativa
(p0.01) entre PLT y RBC.
Teniendo en cuenta PLT e ndices relevantes de PLT, en
una comparacin intra-grupo, una correlacin positiva,
fuerte y significativa entre PLT y PCT (r=0.983;
p<0.01), revel una correlacin fuerte negativa y
significativa entre PCT y HCT (r:-0.512; p0.05) para
el grupo de control. Una correlacin comparativa entre
PLT e ndices de PLT mostr una correlacin positiva
y significativa entre PLT y PCT (r=0.943; p0.01),
al paso que se presentaron correlaciones negativas
significativas entre PLT y MPV (r:-0.554; p0.05),
adems de PLT y PDWc (r:-0.548, p0.05) (Tabla 5).
En forma similar, se detect una correlacin positiva
significativa entre PLT y PCT en los grupos II, III y IV.
En conclusin, en relacin con las estadsticas
logradas por el presente estudio, se puede sugerir
que en perros infectados con E. canis y/o A.
phagocytophilum, los ndices RBC y PLT deben ser
interpretados al tiempo, en un intento de escrutar
anemia y/o trombocitopenia. Los perros infectaos
mostraron alteraciones significativas (p0.01) entre
los valores medios de PLT y PCT y fue evidente
una correlacin positiva entre esos dos parmetros
(p0.01), mientras que las alteraciones en las
medias de MPV y PDWc no eran estadsticamente
significativas. Finalmente, se sugiri que, de acuerdo
con los resultados antes mencionados, los valores de
PLT y PCT pueden ser utilizados como parmetros
valiosos para el diagnstico y probablemente para
el monitoreo prognosis en perros infectados con los
agentes mencionados.
Agradecimientos
Este estudio fue parte de la tesis de maestria de Funda
Ozata, M.Sc., bajo la asesoria del Dr. Kerem URAL,
DVM y financiado por Adnan Menderes University
Research Projects, proyecto nmero VTF-11025.

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